Support use of voluntary conservation easements as a tool to provide wildlife habitats.

S. R. No. 94 *SS26/R1636* ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2
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To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026

By: Senator(s) Blackwell

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 94

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTARY 1
CONSERVATION EASEMENTS AND HONORING THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF 2
SPORTSMEN'S CAUCUSES FOR PROTECTING WILDLIFE HABITATS AND PRIVATE 3
PROPERTY RIGHTS. 4
WHEREAS, conservation easements provide important wildlife 5
habitats on our nation's private lands, supporting opportunities 6
for hunters by increasing available habitats for iconic game 7
species while providing many other environmental benefits; and 8
WHEREAS, conservation easements are a completely voluntary, 9
free-market, incentive-based contract, the terms of which are 10
agreed upon by the landowner, for the conservation of natural, 11
agricultural and historical resources on private land; and 12
WHEREAS, conservation easements protect private property 13
rights and enable landowners to monetize the environmental and 14
habitat values of their land; and 15
WHEREAS, perpetual easements ensure that conservation values 16
are managed forever while providing landowners with clearly 17
defined assurances through written easement contracts; and 18
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WHEREAS, conservation easements enable agricultural producers 19
to maintain and expand their operations and pass their land on to 20
their heirs, if they so choose, while benefiting rural economies 21
by keeping private land in agricultural production; and 22
WHEREAS, conservation easements also provide capital that 23
enables landowners to grow or maintain agricultural operations or 24
reinvest in the landscape; and 25
WHEREAS, the Mississippi Legislature supports the 26
availability of termed and perpetual conservation easements as an 27
important tool designed to promote conservation practices on 28
private lands while rewarding landowners for their voluntary 29
participation; and 30
WHEREAS, the rights of future generations are important 31
considerations for current landowners, highlighting the importance 32
for families to discuss property decisions, rather than 33
undermining the availability of perpetual conservation easements 34
and their history of success; and 35
WHEREAS, the Senate greatly appreciates the dedication and 36
commitment that the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses has 37
shown in serving the people and the State of Mississippi: 38
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF 39
MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize the importance of 40
voluntary conservation easements and honor the National Assembly 41
of Sportsmen's Caucuses for protecting wildlife habitats and 42
private property rights. 43
S. R. No. 94 *SS26/R1636* ~ OFFICIAL ~
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ST: Support use of voluntary conservation
easements as a tool to provide wildlife
habitats.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be transmitted 44
to the Executive Council of the National Assembly of Sportsmen's 45
Caucuses and made available to the Capitol Press Corps. 46